Final answer:
Greenland's autonomy from Denmark was motivated by the desire of its Indigenous population to preserve their culture, control their resources, and manage their internal affairs. Economic factors, such as fisheries disputes with the EU and the potential exploitation of natural resources, also played significant roles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Greenland was granted autonomy from Denmark to allow for greater self-governance by its largely Inuit population, who sought to preserve their culture and have greater control over their land, resources, and internal affairs. The move towards autonomy was part of a broader trend of recognizing the rights of Indigenous peoples, mirroring similar negotiations in places like Canada. Greenland's autonomy was also influenced by practical economic considerations, as fish, which is Greenland's main export, was subject to disputes under EU rules, from which Greenland chose to remain apart to protect its fishing industry. Additionally, the desire for autonomy was partially driven by opportunities to exploit Greenland's natural resources, including minerals, diamonds, and gold.